A DRINK-DRIVE menace has been spared prison but banned from the roads for four years.

William Pitt left a scene of destruction after he crashed while three times over the limit.

He ploughed his Ford Transit van into the back of a stationary Renault waiting to turn right at a junction. Firefighters had to cut the driver free after the car was shunted into a Toyota and crushed between the two vehicles.

The smash happened not long after 40-year-old Pitt was given his licence back following a 28-month ban for once again being three times over the limit.

Magistrates considered jailing Pitt, of Burnley Street in Blaydon, Gateshead, after he pleaded guilty to drink-driving.

But after considering a probation report, they gave him a one-year supervised community order. He must also pay £75 costs.

Gateshead magistrates viewed dramatic pictures of firefighters cutting the roof off the wrecked Renault to free the trapped driver, who was complaining of neck and back pain. The driver of the Toyota pick-up also suffered a back injury.

The bench was told that the two drivers were treated at hospital, but it is not known if they have been left with any lasting serious injury.

The collision took place at 6.10pm on March 28 on Portobello Road in Birtley, Gateshead.

A blood test taken at hospital showed Pitt had 251mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood. The legal limit is 80.

Prosecutor Rachael Dodsworth said: “At the hospital, he was described as having slurred speech, glazed eyes, was unsteady on his feet, and alcohol could be smelled on his breath.”

Pitt was described as having a drink problem, which caused the end of his 10-year relationship, but that he thought he could kick the booze himself.

Since the crash, he has sought professional help.

Defending, Alistair Graham said that Pitt went out drinking after his partner dashed his hopes of a reconciliation and went shopping, not appreciating he was over the limit.

“He is genuinely sorry for what has happened and for the people who were injured, but who fortunately don’t appear to be seriously injured,” Mr Graham said.